Crabs
live in the inter-tidal zone of the oceans, where
tides rise and fall twice every day. This is the
most dynamic and changeful place on earth, but
also the most nutrient rich. Because of the
constant change, Cancer have developed a hard
outer shell for protection. Cancer can use the
hard outer shell of your home as your protection.
But it's more than just that. Typically, your
sensitive Cancer can hold your feelings quietly
behind your own walls.
Crabs also have large pinching claws, and Cancer
can hold onto things, especially from the past.
Cancer are fiercely loyal and have a difficult
time letting go. But Cancer are also quick to
bring those you love inside the safety of your
outer shell while you nurture them. Cancer love is
protective, but unless tempered, can be smothering.
Cancer motto could be, "A good defense is the best
offense." Like a Crab in its cave, your attack can
consist of baiting your opponent into your
territory. What appears to be a retreat to others
can be your best aggressive tactic. As you feel
your way through life, building your security by
developing your home and family relationships,
remember that unexpressed anger can turn into
resentment and depression, so find someone you can
trust and share your feelings.
Element: Water
Astrologically, the water element symbolizes
emotion. Water runs deep; it seeks its own level
and will flow until it has found it. The cycle of
water is endless with the snows falling in the
mountains and melting. The mountain streams join
to make the great rivers that run to the sea. The
tides and currents churn the oceans. Similarly,
our feelings are flowing as they connect the
present with past experiences. Sometimes the
waters are so deep that we cannot put words to our
feelings.
The water of Cancer is that of the changing tides.
Regular rhythms that bring food and nurture the
creatures who live there. But this is also about
the water of a smoothly surfaced lake. No movement
is apparent, yet beneath the surface there is
movement, currents and much hidden activity.
Fourth House: Home and Family
The Fourth House is related to the mother. It is
where we are nurtured, and takes in not only our
real mother, but all those who nurture us --
especially early in life. This is the house of
childhood surroundings. It is where we retreat
from the noise of the outer world.
Key Planet: Moon
The Moon is always changing, not even the same two
nights in a row. It races around the Earth once a
"month," and as such we are familiar with her
regularly repeating patterns. Women's menstrual
cycles are naturally tied to the lunar rhythm,
putting them in closer touch with the subconscious
realms of the Moon. But to man and woman alike,
the Moon is the key to our feelings and our
emotional cycles. As the key planet of Cancer, the
Moon symbolizes our basic needs -- how we need to
be nurtured and how we nurture others.
Cancer Greatest Strength: Your ability to
nurture others
Cancer Possible Weakness: Fear of the past
repeating in the future